Initiatives to target Queensland skin cancer rates

Queensland has the highest rate of both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers in the world. 

Last week the Queensland Government announced new initiatives to target skin cancer rates in Queensland, including a three-month campaign titled ‘Sunshine: You do the 5. You survive’. The campaign urges Queenslanders to embrace the five sun-safe behaviours – slip, slop, slap, seek, slide – through a mock horror movie called Sunshine. 

In addition to the campaign, there is continued support for the Skin Cancer Early Detection (SCED) program coordinated by CheckUP. The Skin Cancer Early Detection Service has a focus on regional towns and aims to create fairer access to professional assessment and treatment of skin cancer for people who have a skin cancer risk. Following extensive mapping and consultation with key stakeholders the SCED outreach services have been funded for five priority Hospital and Health Service regions that include Central Queensland, North West, South West, Mackay and Townsville.  

CheckUP joins the Royal Flying Doctor’s Service on SCED Outreach visit

David Millichap, CheckUP’s General Manager – Engagement and Business Development, travelled to Eulo last week with the team from the Royal Flying Doctor Service to observe the new skin cancer clinic as part of CheckUP’s SCED program.

David spoke with several patients in Eulo who expressed sincere gratitude for the visiting clinic, which saved them a long trip to Toowoomba or Brisbane to have their skin checked by a specially trained GP.

This program is made possible through funding from the Queensland Government.